In Japan, usually when a recording artist leaves an office or label, especially if there are issues on how they departed. Because of that, some artist are unable to use their stage name or sometime their real name (if that is what was used when they were an artist) to promote their own music as an independent artist. Sometimes a label/office will sue the talent for using their stage name without permission.
On the 23rd, singer Aiuchi Rina confirmed on her SNS that her exclusive contract with her former affiliated production company “Giza Artist” had been terminated due to the “lawsuit demanding an injunction against the use of her stage name (appeal)”. As a result, a settlement was reached. She reported that the dispute was resolved amicably. As a result, it is said that it has become possible to use her stage name “Rina Aiuchi” without restrictions.
Aiuchi wrote in her own handwriting, “From now on, I will continue to enjoy singing and deliver various things with my own expression”.
Aiuchi debuted in 2000 and her 2002 hit “Koi wa Thrill, Shock, Suspense”. She retired in 2010, but in 2015 she resumed her activities under the name of “Kakiuchi Rika” (before her debut, she went by her real name, Kakiuchi Rikako). In March 2021, she restarted under the name of “Rina Aiuchi”. In the same year, she filed a lawsuit against Giza Artist, accusing her producer of repeatedly sexually harassing her. She lost the case in October 2022 (as the court ruled it was not sexual harassment as the two were in a romantic relationship at the time, with Aiuchi reportedly requesting financial support from him after retirement back in 2010). She appealed the case on April 21 and the original ruling was upheld.
On the other hand, Giza Inc. sued Aiuchi for using her stage name without permission, but in December 2022, it was dismissed and appealed. But instead of prolonging, both sides settled and were able resolve the dispute amicably.
株式会社ギザアーティストより令和3年5月21日付けで提訴された芸名使用差止請求(控訴)事件訴訟において、同社との専属契約が終了していることを確認するとともに、… pic.twitter.com/4ib0Ns4Bjf
— 愛内里菜 official (@RRikakakiuchi) June 23, 2023